The lights dimmed, the tension mounted, and then, the moment arrived. This past Thursday, a new face stepped into the spotlight, ready to carry the hopes of an entire island. Zashely Alicea, representing the beautiful municipality of Dorado, was crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025. At just 25 years old, Alicea was already a favorite among many, and now she’s set to represent the Island of Enchantment at the global Miss Universe pageant, taking place on November 14 in Thailand.
The final moments of the competition were a true nail-biter. The crown came down to a showdown between Zashely and Samarys Barbot Arroyo, who represented Jayuya. Decked out in a dazzling, shimmering gown, tears welling in her eyes, Zashely graciously accepted the sash, the floral arrangement, and the magnificent award, offering thanks to the cheering audience. It was a picture-perfect moment of triumph.
More Than Just a Crown: Who is Zashely Alicea?
Beyond the shimmering crown, Zashely Alicea brings a fascinating blend of talents to her new role. She’s a professional ballet dancer, a path she’s pursued for 16 years. This dedication to ballet has instilled a deep sense of discipline. She also studies Psychology, showing her thoughtful and insightful side. These two parts of her life reveal her focus and sensitivity.
Alicea often speaks about the lessons she learned from her years in ballet. She believes that staying consistent is the secret to success, a principle she applies to everything, including beauty pageants. “You have to work every day,” she shared in a recent interview, according to the Puerto Rican media outlet Primera Hora. “There will be ups, there will be downs, there will be much sacrifice, but you will see the results. In the end, it’s all about consistency, determination, and discipline.” Her words are a true reflection of her spirit.
While she now shines as Puerto Rico’s representative for global beauty, Zashely has a very clear ambition: she aims to become a sports psychologist. Her goal is to support athletes during tough times and inspire them to reach their very best. She firmly believes that mental health and physical performance are closely linked. Because of this, she plans to continue her studies in this specialized field.
Beyond the dazzle and glamour, the new Miss Universe Puerto Rico describes herself as a woman who feels deeply connected to nature. She loves visiting her island’s beaches, finding peace and energy in the soothing sounds of the ocean. She also hasn’t ruled out bringing her artistic talent as a dancer to the international stage, blending her creative gifts with her public role.
It was during the various stages of the competition that Zashely truly captivated the judges, especially when she spoke about her future dreams. She envisions herself working in media, sharing positive and encouraging messages. Her goal is to show the world what it truly means to be a Puerto Rican woman: someone who is passionate, determined, and full of dreams.
Puerto Rico holds a special place in the history of the Miss Universe pageant. After the United States with nine crowns and Venezuela with seven, Puerto Rico ranks third overall, boasting five winners. The last woman from Puerto Rico to take home the coveted Miss Universe crown was Zuleyka Rivera. Rivera recently served as a godmother on the reality show Miss Universe Latina, showing her continued connection to the pageant world.